Wichita/Western KS 2025 Headhunter Watchlist

The momentum begins to rise on its own as we close in on the end of July. When August 1 rolls around, just knowing that you are in the same month as when team practice officially gets going has a tendency to put an exclamation point on final preparation.   And for a certain breed of high school football player it couldn't come sooner. It has been a long off-season of relentless training, visualization and high expectations. But, there hasn't been any pads. No hitting. Little or no violence.   Linebackers and edge rusher thrive on contact. They like to hit and they take pride in not just their ability to hit hard, but hit violently hard.   But, its been awhile. They haven't gotten to scratch that itch since last November.   Once August 1 comes about the headhunters start getting anxious for the violence to resume.   This weekend, I took a look at some of the linebackers from the class of 2025 in the Wichita and surrounding area and Western Kansas who have been busy in the off-season getting ready to grab the glory this fall will bring. Linebackers and Edge Rushers needing to scratch that itch and while they are at it, catapult their teams into post-season action.   So, without further adieu, I bring you “The Mid-Week Five” – five guys getting ready to lower the boom and put on a show in 2024:   [player_tooltip player_id='733208' first='Rhett' last='Ihrig'], 6'3, 240, LB, Goodland, is ranked #43. Its been a busy off-season in Goodland and his rise to prominence has been a big part of that. Coming off an injury-marred junior year, he was still able to pile up 31 tackles and 13 tackles for loss in in only six games. However, after a strong off-season of training, he has committed to the Northwest Missouri Bearcats to continue his football journey in college. A multi-positional player, he can operate out of a stance as a defensive lineman anywhere along the defensive front and essentially shut down the running game between the tackles, but where he really shines is as an outside LB/edge rusher. With a powerful frame and good reach, he pounds blockers into submission with his heavy hands. He also has quick feet and moves well laterally and when tracking the ball. Get out and see a star on the rise.   [player_tooltip player_id='268059' first='Koby' last='Le'], 6'1, 255, LB, Emporia, is ranked #70. An athletic, physical ball buster of a defensive end or outside linebacker, he is also athletic enough to play tight end and running back as needed on offense. He has been hard at it in the off-season, dominating in the camp-clinic circuit and packing on pounds of muscle on an already formidable frame. His combination of size and speed make him a difficult defender to scheme for. He has a powerful base with quick feet that enables him to use his athleticism and streamlined body lean to beat a path around offensive tackles. He is also strong enough to hit blockers in the teeth and blow up the running game coming his way. On offense he is deployed as a weapon out of the backfield or when they need a crushing block at tight end. This kid is getting ready to dominate the competition this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1115494' first='Cooper' last='Marx'], 6'1, 225, LB/RB, Andale, is ranked #90. Another standout Andale athlete who is a multi-positional, two-way player coming off a strong junior season. On offense, he is a versatile running back who can run and catch the ball out of the backfield. On defense, he is a jackhammer of a linebacker who can also shut down the perimeter as an edge rusher. As a running back he has size and speed, with good field vision. He makes decisive cuts and explodes through arm tackles. He also has soft hands and is an excellent receiver. On defense, he really shines as an aggressive defender who tracks the ball well and makes plays with above-average closing speed. He has the strength to go toe-to-toe with the opponent's best blocker and dominate as well as use his wheels to chase down speedy backs on the perimeter. This kid is getting ready to make some noise this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='372248' first='Caleb' last='Maholmes'], 6'1, 205, LB, Wichita West, is ranked #166. An Honorable Mention All-City League linebacker last year he piled up 62 tackles and seven sacks on his way to a successful junior season. He has a strong, athletic frame with quick feet and lateral mobility that enables him fight through traffic tracking ball carriers. He is versatile enough to shut down the interior power run game but also agile enough to nail backs before they can hit the perimeter. He can be deployed as a defensive end, outside linebacker or even as a hybrid strong safety who floats in zone and breaks on the ball exceptionally fast. He has top-end football instincts, with quick read and react skills that he uses effectively to always be around the football. He is getting ready to take his game to the next level and go off in the City League this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1115480' first='Quavon' last='Harris'], 6'0, 200, LB/RB, Wichita Northwest, is ranked #359. He is coming off a superb junior season when he was first team all-conference linebacker and honorable mention all-state. After totaling 82 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, and three fumble recoveries a year ago, he has been busy in the off-season preparing for a 2024 encore. Although he can play any of the linebacker positions, he has really shined as an edge rusher who hits the backfield like he was shot out of a cannon. With an explosive initial step and great body lean, he glides by blockers while shutting down the perimeter. He has strong hands and a powerful frame to go along with good speed and moves well laterally working through traffic and fending off blockers. He is an active defender who is aggressive and goes hard from snap to whistle. Get out and see a kid getting ready to break out this fall.   In conclusion, get these guys on your watchlist and if they play in your vicinity get out and see them in action. You will not be disappointed. And, as always, if anyone runs across any players “flying under the radar”, feel free to reach out to CoolDaddyO via DM on X.

The momentum begins to rise on its own as we close in on the end of July. When August 1 rolls around, just knowing that you are in the same month as when team practice officially gets going has a tendency to put an exclamation point on final preparation.